There are a range of massage therapy schools in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Most offer a wide range of courses and training to meet all requirements of today's massage therapist. A number of these provide Reflexology as part of a standard training program. What exactly is Reflexology? It is an alternative treatment approach that focuses on energy flow to help relieve the tension and stress found in the body. It's not surprising that the prevalence of Reflexology has spread quickly across the nation. The techniques for reflexology are very different from traditional massage, nevertheless include it as part of an elective class for any of the accredited massage and shiatsu diploma programs in Minneapolis massage therapy school. Since it is such a popular modality, many massage therapists have chosen to add Reflexology among their massage specialties. As a result, massage therapists may benefit by incorporating Reflexology as another modality to their practice. In addition, students pursuing a professional massage therapy degree or continuing their education can learn Reflexology in their school and then add it to their program. The benefits of Reflexology come from the particular regions of the body where reflex points are located. When applied properly, it will target these reflex areas in the hands and feet to help promote healing through increased blood flow and decreased tension. This same targeted program will also improve muscle strength in the shoulders and back. However, as with massage, there are not specific areas of the body that are targeted for reflexology. Instead, it is believed that the feet and hands are the ideal location for applying pressure for maximum benefits. Perhaps the most popular region in which Reflexology is practiced is over the neck and shoulders. Massage techniques concentrate mainly on these regions because they are believed to harbor a lot of energy which can be tapped for therapeutic benefits. As a result of this, applying pressure points like those from the neck and shoulders is a good way to both relax the body and create extra energy for healing. While massage therapy focuses primarily on pressure points on the body, Reflexology applies its therapy techniques to the particular regions where pressure points are located. Another area where Reflexology could be implemented is within the ears. This is not surprising given the proximity to the neck and head. The ear is also on the brain which gives the ears their sensory organ, thus providing a possible source of sensory input. Because the ear contains sensitive nerve endings, the application of massage to the ears provides a calming effect as well as the potential benefits of stimulating the nervous system that aids in the healing process. This is why ear reflexology has been viewed as an effective modality in the treatment of chronic conditions like depression, stress and pain. One of the key ways in which Reflexology might be used is through the application of pressure points on the whole body. Stress points refer to targeted areas on the body that allow for better blood circulation, thus allowing for increased overall wellness. For example, there's a particular pressure point known as the acupoints located close to the wrist. By applying pressure on these acupoints, the reflex points located in the wrist start to transfer blood circulation to the whole body, including the skin. By increasing blood flow, the whole body is able to increase its immune system and operate more effectively to fight infection and heal itself. As mentioned before, Reflexology uses its own finger pressure points to stimulate the nerves within the body. It's this connection to the nervous system which makes Reflexology therapeutic oftentimes. However, as interesting as that may sound, the primary reason that massage therapy is frequently regarded as capable of relieving pain and the treatment of a variety of conditions is because of its ability to change the state of one's energy system. According to traditional reflexology, the body consists of the five basic meridians that run parallel to one another. By working every meridian with unique methods, the energy system of the person is able to be changed. Massage allows for the easy transfer of energy across the meridians and into the various areas of the body. If done properly, it can stimulate the appropriate flow in the body, allowing for organs to receive the proper nutrients they need. In addition to potential benefits such as improved circulation, there are also verified reflexology methods that can help decrease pain and decrease the recovery time after an injury or operation. Therefore, regardless of what you initially had in mind when you decided to visit the spa, it may be well worth it to consider Reflexology.